If you are a business who may be struggling with the potentiality of a temporary/permanent layoff or closure because of the coronavirus, WorkSource’s Rapid Response team can provide timely resources such as unemployment insurance, health insurance, labor union support, financial assistance and support services to ensure needs are met.

Oregon’s WorkShare program may provide an alternative for employers who are considering a layoff situation. Instead of reducing staff, an employer reduces the hours of work for a group of workers. Partial unemployment insurance benefits are then paid to supplement workers’ reduced wages. For more specific details and eligibility requirements visit: www.oregon.gov/employ/Businesses/WorkShare/Pages/Work%20Share%20Home%20Page.aspx

To initiate a Rapid Response effort or for more information, please contact Stefanie Siebold, Director of Programs, with the East Cascades Works at 541-213-0684. 514-904-5012 or email at stefanie@ecworks.org.

If you are an employee who has recently missed work, have seen your hours reduced or have been displaced as a result of COVID-19, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance.

An online application and instructions for applying may be found at: www.oregon.gov/employ/Unemployment/Pages/default.aspx

For more resources and to find out more about what resources are available by phone or video conference, go online to: www.oregon.gov/employ/Pages/COVID-19.aspx or call your local WorkSource Center.

For more information visit: https://www.oregon.gov/highered/institutions-programs/workforce/Pages/workforce- employers-layoffs.aspx